6 Best Buenos Aires Cooking Classes & Asado Experiences (2025)
If there’s one thing Buenos Aires does better than anywhere else, it’s food. From sizzling steaks on the grill to gooey dulce de leche desserts, Argentina’s capital is a feast for the senses. And the best way to experience it? Rolling up your sleeves at a local cooking class or joining a traditional asado (BBQ).
Cooking workshops let you learn how to fold empanadas, sip mate like a local, and bake alfajores, while asado experiences take you to smoky parrillas where beef rules the fire. These classes aren’t just about food — they’re about connecting with porteño culture in a way that goes far deeper than any restaurant menu.
Quick Answer: Best Buenos Aires Cooking Classes & Asado Experiences
The best Buenos Aires cooking classes combine hands-on empanada folding, alfajor baking, asado grilling, mate rituals, and wine pairings. Top-rated options include:
Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Class in Palermo – family-friendly, from $57.
Authentic Rooftop Asado & Wine Pairing – grill steak with locals, from $84.
Michelin-Chef Argentine Experience – gourmet empanadas and asado, from $50.
Join a Local Family Asado with Betty & Marcelo – home-style BBQ, from $92.
Mate Tasting Workshop – cultural ritual in 45 minutes, from $25.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t miss these things to do in Buenos Aires beyond food and my favorite hidden, non-touristy Buenos Aires experiences — but first, let’s cook.
🍴 Quick Picks: Best Buenos Aires Cooking & Asado Experiences
| Class | Най-добър за | Продължителност | Price (from) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentine Cooking Class with Michelin Chef @ Argentine Experience | Couples & foodies | 3h | $50 | Empanadas, steak, dessert, wine |
| BA: Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience, Palermo | Families & beginners | 1.5–2h | $57 | Empanadas, alfajores, mate |
| Pachamama – Argentine Cooking Experience | Small groups | 3h | $70 | Hands-on menu, dessert, wine |
| ⭐Authentic Rooftop Asado Experience with Wine Pairing- best choice for most travelers. | Meat lovers | 3.5h | $84 | Steak cuts, grill demo, Malbec |
| Join a Local Family Asado with Betty & Marcelo | Travelers wanting local culture | 3h | $92 | Home-style asado, wine, stories |
| Buenos Aires: Take a Mate Break in 45 Minutes | Quick add-on | 45 min | $25 | Mate ritual & tasting |
👉 For a quick pick, choose the Rooftop Asado & Wine Pairing if you’re short on time, or the Palermo Cooking Class if you’re traveling with kids.
Argentine Cooking Class with Michelin Chef @ Argentine Experience
~3h • Empanadas, steak, dessert • Wine pairings
BA: Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo
1.5–2h • Empanadas & alfajores • Mate ritual
Pachamama – Argentine Cooking Experience
~3h • Hands-on menu • Dessert • Wine included
Authentic Rooftop Asado Experience with Argentine Wine Pairing
3.5h • Steak cuts • Grill demo • Malbec
Join a Local Family Asado in Buenos Aires with Betty & Marcelo
~3h • Home-style asado • Wine • Stories
Buenos Aires: Take a Mate Break in 45 Minutes
45 min • Mate ritual & tasting • Quick add-on
What’s Unique About the Betty & Marcelo Asado
Сайтът “Join a Local Family Asado with Betty & Marcelo” is a true culinary gem—a 3-hour home-style asado hosted by an Argentine family in their Palermo rooftop setting. Think generous portions of grilled cuts, heartfelt stories, and a cozy table atmosphere that feels like dinner with friends. Reviews rave:
“Truly an amazing experience and the best meal I had in Argentina… Marcelo and Betty made us feel like we were close friends over for dinner.”
“Great family, warm welcome, delicious food and wine. Learned a lot about Argentina too!”
This brings an authentic local twist not found in standard cooking classes—perfect for those craving genuine porteño hospitality.
Why Cooking & Asado Experiences Rock
- Hands-On Action — From folding empanadas to lighting the grill.
- Small, Social Settings — Perfect for solo adventurers or couples.
- Delicious Variety — Expect a spread of grilled meats, sweets, and traditional sides.
- Wine Included — Many include Malbec or Torrontés pairings.
- Easy Booking & Free Cancellation — Most offer flexible policies through Viator.
What You’ll Cook or Eat
- 🥟 Empanadas – The ultimate Argentine comfort food, stuffed with beef, onion, and spices. Learn the classic “repulgue” fold you’ll see at the Пазар Сан Телмо.
- 🧁 Alfajores – Argentina’s sweetest souvenir. If you get hooked, check out my guide to the best Argentina souvenirs to bring some home.
- 🥩 Asado & steak with chimichurri – Discover how locals grill beef “a la parrilla,” and what it really costs — here’s the breakdown of how much steak costs in Argentina.
- 🍮 Dulce de leche flan – A creamy caramel dessert layered with Argentina’s most famous sweet.
- 🍵 Mate tasting and ritual – Argentina’s national drink. For the full cultural immersion, don’t miss Feria de Mataderos market, where mate sharing is part of daily life.
- 🍷 Wine pairings (Malbec, Torrontés) – Learn why Malbec pairs with beef and Torrontés with salty starters.
Where Are These Experiences Held?
- Palermo Soho / Hollywood — Trendy food hubs for walkable kitchens.
- Betty & Marcelo’s Home Rooftop — Intimate, atmospheric, and truly local.
Hot Tip: The Asado Language & Cuts Guide
When ordering steak in Argentina, skip “medium-rare”—say:
- Jugoso (rare/medium-rare)
- A punto (medium)
- Tres cuartos (medium-well)
- Bien cocido (well-done)
Common cuts:
- Entraña – skirt
- Vacío – flank
- Asado de tira – short ribs
- Ojo de bife – ribeye
- Bife de chorizo – striploin
Wine Tip: Malbec = beef. Torrontés = salty starters.
Top Buenos Aires Cooking & Asado Experiences
1. Argentine Cooking Class with Michelin Chef @ Argentine Experience
⭐ 4.9/5 – Duration: ~3 hours – From $50
This small-group class is led by a Michelin-trained Argentine chef in Palermo. You’ll prepare empanadas with traditional folds, grill juicy steak, and finish with a dulce de leche dessert. Wine pairings are included, making it a fun and indulgent evening activity.
2. BA: Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo
⭐ 4.8/5 – Duration: 1.5–2 hours – From $57
This short and family-friendly workshop is perfect for travelers with limited time. You’ll learn to make two Argentine classics: savory empanadas and sweet alfajores. A short mate ritual is also included, making it a great introduction to local food culture.
3. Pachamama – Argentine Cooking Experience
⭐ 4.9/5 – Duration: ~3 hours – From $70
At Pachamama, you’ll dive into Argentine cuisine in a cozy, small-group setting. The hands-on class covers empanadas, a main dish, and dessert. Expect lots of interaction, plenty of wine, and personal guidance from a passionate local chef.
4. Authentic Rooftop Asado Experience with Argentine Wine Pairing
⭐ 4.7/5 – Duration: ~3.5 hours – From $84
This rooftop masterclass is all about the Argentine asado. Learn about different cuts of beef (ojo de bife, entraña, vacío), grilling techniques, and wine pairings. With the city skyline as your backdrop, it’s one of the most atmospheric ways to enjoy Argentina’s food culture.
Also see my guide to historic bars and cafés in Buenos Aires for the perfect wine nightcap.
5. Join a Local Family Asado in Buenos Aires with Betty & Marcelo
⭐ 5.0/5 – Duration: ~3 hours – From $92
For a truly authentic evening, join Betty and Marcelo at their Palermo home for a family-style asado. You’ll enjoy a spread of grilled meats, homemade sides, and plenty of Malbec, while hearing personal stories and learning about Argentine traditions. It feels more like dinner with old friends than a formal class.
6. Buenos Aires: Take a Mate Break in 45 Minutes
⭐ 4.9/5 – Duration: 45 minutes – From $25
If you’re short on time, this quick workshop introduces you to Argentina’s national drink, mate. Learn how to prepare it properly, the etiquette of sharing, and taste it the way locals do. A perfect add-on before dinner or as a cultural break between sightseeing.
Not sure which class to pick?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the most popular Buenos Aires cooking and asado experiences. It’ll help you see at a glance which class best fits your time, budget, and style.
| Опит | Най-добър за | Продължителност | Цена | Wine Included | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentine Cooking Class with Michelin Chef @ Argentine Experience | Couples & foodies | ~3h | $50 | ✅ Yes | Check Availability |
| BA: Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo | Families & beginners | 1.5–2h | $57 | ❌ No (mate included) | Check Availability |
| Pachamama – Argentine Cooking Experience | Small groups | ~3h | $70 | ✅ Yes | Check Availability |
| Authentic Rooftop Asado Experience with Argentine Wine Pairing | Meat lovers | ~3.5h | $84 | ✅ Yes | Check Availability |
| Join a Local Family Asado with Betty & Marcelo | Cultural dinner seekers | ~3h | $92 | ✅ Yes | Check Availability |
| Buenos Aires: Take a Mate Break in 45 Minutes | Quick add-on | 45 min | $25 | ❌ No | Check Availability |
🙋♀️FAQs About Buenos Aires Cooking & Asado Experiences
Yes—most include wine pairings, usually Malbec or Torrontés.
From 45 minutes (mate session) to 3.5 hours (asado masterclass).
Palermo is the foodie hub with the most venues.
Yes—empanada & alfajores classes are family-friendly.
Yes—many providers accommodate on request.
Yes! They’re one of the most authentic cultural activities you can try. Pair it with my 3-дневен маршрут в Буенос Айрес for a complete experience.
From empanadas to steak, dulce de leche, and Malbec. For a bigger list, check my best things to do in Buenos Aires for foodies.
Generally, yes, but like any big city, stay alert. I’ve got a full guide on Buenos Aires safety tips.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Buenos Aires isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s a feast you can cook (and eat) yourself. Whether you want to master empanadas, taste a family asado, or sip mate like a local, these classes let you experience Argentina’s food culture from the inside.
- За first-timers or couples. Argentine Cooking Class with Michelin Chef balances fun, technique, and great wine at a solid price.
- Ако сте traveling with kids. Empanadas & Alfajores workshop is short, sweet, and hands-on.
- Foodies in small groups will love the cozy Pachamama Cooking Experience, while serious meat lovers should book the Rooftop Asado for a true grill masterclass.
- To feel part of local life, nothing beats the Family Asado with Betty & Marcelo — warm hospitality, generous food, and real stories shared around the table.
- And if you’re on a tight schedule, the Mate Break is the quickest way to taste Argentina’s favorite ritual.
👉 Whichever you choose, book your spot early — classes are small and fill fast.
Check Buenos Aires Cooking Classes on Viator →
Buenos Aires cooking classes and asado nights give you more than recipes — they let you feel part of the culture. After your class, continue exploring with my Пътеводител за Аржентина or see my list of места за посещение в Аржентина.
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